Elite interviewing in media and communications policy research

Christian Herzog, Christopher Ali

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article critically examines the use of elite interviews in media and communications policy research. It addresses the fit between various analytical frameworks and elite interviews as a primary source of data, interviewee selection, access, the conduct of interviews and data analysis. It is argued that there is a lack of methodological explanation and reflection in our field of study. Partly, this is determined by the preferences of publishers and space constrains but also a widespread reluctance to engage with methodological issues. This contributes to the diminishing relevance of large amounts of scholarship for policy-makers who tend to privilege studies based on narrowly defined and soundly elaborated empirical methods. Clear and concise methodological rigour, systematization and ethnographic reflexivity, thus, play an incredibly important role.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)37-54
Number of pages18
JournalInternational Journal of Media and Cultural Politics
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cultural Studies
  • Communication

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